President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has unveiled an ambitious suite of initiatives to transform Region Five’s agricultural landscape, pledging direct asset support to farmers, significant road upgrades, and expanded government co-investment in key sectors. The plan, announced during a meeting with hundreds of farmers at the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) compound, is set to unlock tens of thousands of acres for cultivation and position the region as Guyana’s livestock capital.
Unlocking New Lands and Improving Infrastructure
At the heart of the initiative is the construction of a major new canal, modeled after the successful Hope Canal, to dramatically improve drainage and irrigation. This infrastructure investment will open up approximately 56,000 acres of land for rice, cash crops, and livestock, providing much-needed relief to farmers who have long struggled with flooding and limited arable land.
President Ali emphasized the government’s commitment to working directly with farmers to determine how these lands will be allocated and developed, ensuring that planning is both inclusive and tailored to the needs of the local agricultural community.
Direct Asset Transfers and Livestock Expansion
To promote livestock diversification, the government will provide direct asset transfers to farmers. Every sheep farmer in the region will receive 10 impregnated Black Belly sheep to boost flock sizes and mutton production. Similar support will be extended to those involved in swine, egg, and cash crop production. The goal is to make Region Five the epicenter of Guyana’s livestock industry, with self-sufficiency in eggs, expanded poultry production, and the capacity to produce hatching eggs locally.
A special development fund will also be established to enable government co-investment in medium and mega-scale farms, helping farmers access capital and essential machinery. This approach is designed to reduce input costs and encourage the adoption of modern farming techniques.
Modern Facilities and Support for Farmers
The government plans to construct climate-smart greenhouses and hydroponic systems, particularly for backyard and small-scale farmers, to boost yields and build climate resilience. New feed mills will be established in every district, using advanced technology to process grass and legumes into animal feed pellets, further lowering production costs.
To revitalize the coconut industry, one million high-yield coconut trees will be distributed to replace aging stock, with the first batch of seedlings arriving within two months. A new packaging and labeling facility for coconut water will support both local consumption and exports.
Rice farmers will benefit from investments in modern storage and drying facilities, helping to stabilize prices and reduce post-harvest losses. Those with 30 acres or less will be eligible for fertilizer grants or direct cash assistance.
A new wholesale market, equipped with cold storage, will be established to reduce spoilage and enable farmers to sell their produce locally, eliminating the need to transport goods to Georgetown.
Technology and Inclusive Growth
The plan includes the integration of technology into agricultural services, such as real-time extension support via mobile phones, to ensure farmers have access to timely advice and information.
President Ali stressed the importance of attracting more women and youth to agriculture, noting that expanded opportunities in the sector can drive greater disposable income and community development.
A Vision for Food Security and Export Growth
Region Five’s transformation is central to the government’s broader strategy to make Guyana a leader in Caribbean food production. President Ali called on farmers to help identify priorities and solutions that will shape the region’s development agenda through 2030.
With these bold initiatives, Region Five is poised to become a model of agricultural innovation, resilience, and prosperity, supporting the livelihoods of thousands and contributing to Guyana’s food security and export ambitions.
